In terms of the overall expenditure on the Trident replacement , this is a tiny amount. But it was enough to be able to ­infuriate the SNP, a regular delight for Osborne as talking them up keeps Labour talked out.

More importantly, the Faslane focus of the day was more than enough for Osborne to highlight the painful divisions that could keep Labour from becoming a credible ­opposition at Westminster.

We have known for years that the Royal Navy submarine fleet is moving to Faslane as the consequence of one of the last decisions Gordon Brown took as Prime Minister.

George Osborne arrives during a visit to the Royal Navy's submarine base at Faslane (Image: Getty)

Osborne’s real mission was to dent his political opponents, it was not economic and had little to do with strategic defence.

Off to Aberdeen next, where Osborne’s stamp of approval on a new gas and oil field is trumpeted as a North Sea gusher.

But the 400 or so jobs that will be created in the Culzean field which, once again we have known about for years, will be a drop in the grey North Sea compared with the ­estimated 120,000 job losses since the ­downturn in oil prices last year.

Osborne’s sticking plaster announcement does nothing to staunch the major losses of hours and earnings that North Sea workers have had to thole this year.

Meanwhile, the Chancellor of a ­Government who tell us they are getting people off benefits and into work has his mantra confounded by a Scottish Parliament report that rubbishes the idea that welfare reforms (that’s a political magician’s term for cuts) are getting people into jobs.

To add insult to injury a community centre in Easterhouse, Glasgow , which helps people prepare for work has £100,000 of funding pulled by the Department for Work and Pensions. So much for the Big Society.

When the smoke clears, George Osborne’s announcements are seen for what they are, cynical con-tricks and political manoeuvring for party ­advantage.

Two new ferries could soon be built at Ferguson Marine shipyard on the Clyde (Image: Andrew Milligan/PA)